Homeopathy lends a hand at birth time
23 January 1998
Homeopathy lends a hand at birth time
SHEEP producers concerned about their increasing dependency on antibiotics and other drug treatments during lambing time should consider using a homeopathic first-aid kit.
But according to homeopathic vet Chris Auckland, who runs the Centre for Veterinary Homeo-pathy in Bath, farmers have yet to be convinced of the value of homeopathic remedies in conjunction with conventional veterinary care.
"Homeopathy can be useful at lambing time, but there has to be a commitment on the part of the farmer or the shepherd to want to use homeopathy. It is not just a replacement for an antibiotic; its something that empowers the animal to treat itself," he says.
His mixed practice, covering large and small animals, includes four sheep flock owners. Although two run organic flocks, the others have chosen to follow the principles of homeopathy on conventionally managed farms.
Mr Auckland is running a seminar covering a range of essential homeopathic remedies for lambing. The remedies and how to use them will be described and discussed to enable farmers and shepherds to fully understand how they work and where they can be used.
"Even in a natural birth situation, where a ewe has delivered her lambs without assistance, there is likely to be internal bruising.
"Routine treatment with arnica will assist internal healing of the uterus and help the animal overcome the birthing trauma." There is sound management thinking behind this, believes Mr Auckland.
"An animal that can recover more rapidly from this type of stress will start to divert its body energies into more rapid and efficient production of milk for its offspring instead of those energies being concentrated on the recovery of its own physical trauma," he says.
Homeopathic remedies can be given in several ways depending on whether they are in powder, liquid or tablet form. Because they are most effectively absorbed into the animals system through the mucous membrane, they are usually administered by mouth.
"A tablet can be given into the mouth either whole or crushed, or mixed with water and syringed into the mouth," he says.
Ringwomb can be one of the most frustrating problems at lambing time. Mr Auckland suggests using caulophylum as a natural muscle relaxant to relieve ringwomb symptoms within an hour. It is also useful in toning up the uterus for a healthy delivery and will usually stimulate contractions in difficult lambings within seconds of being administered.
A range of other homeopathic remedies can be used during the neo-natal period to treat problems such as mastitis and lamb dysentery.
"All these treatments can be used independently or alongside others prescribed by your vet, but the true value of homeopathy comes with its prolonged use to achieve long-term health and vitality," says Mr Auckland.
Susan Lacroix runs a flock of 67 ewes at Box, near Bath and has been using homeopathic remedies for two years, having achieved considerable success using sepia and arnica for treating prolapsed ewes before and after lambing.
"For ewes that are exhausted after a difficult lambing sepia treatment aids recovery; it can be useful when ewes are reluctant to let lambs suckle through exhaustion," says Mrs Lacroix.
Blood loss after a difficult lambing has been successfully treated with sea kale, while heparsulph has been used to cope with infected wounds, and homeopathic treatments have been effective against mastitis and orf.
Homeopathy is not expensive. A first-aid kit of 36 basic remedies costs under £40 and a birthing kit of 18 treatments costs around £25. Both kits and individual treatments are available from homeopathic pharmacies such as Ainsworths (0171-9355330) or from Mr Aucklands vet centre.
The Soil Association (0117-9290661) can provide a basic guide to the use of homeopathy, while the lambing seminar is on Feb 3 near Bath. Details: (01225-444855). *
Jeremy Hunt
Homeopathy could help ewes recover from lambing more quickly, as well as treating concerns such as lamb mastitis and dysentry, says Bath-based homeopathic vet Chris Auckland.
HOMEOPATHIC LAMBING
• Can use in conjunction with conventional medicines.
• Can be used independently.
• Prolonged use in flock best.